Jeanne Lanvin: Haute Couture Heritage – SCAD FASH, Atlanta, GA

From September 12, 2025, through February 16, 2026, the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta, Georgia, celebrates the enduring elegance and artistry of one of France’s most influential couturiers with Jeanne Lanvin: Haute Couture Heritage. Featuring more than 60 garments, illustrations, and archival photographs, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look into the house of Lanvin, tracing its evolution from a modest millinery shop in late 19th-century Paris to one of the most revered fashion institutions of the 20th century.

SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film

Jeanne Lanvin, who founded her eponymous fashion house in 1889, is celebrated for her meticulous craftsmanship, innovative silhouettes, and refined approach to color and embellishment. Her designs were characterized by delicate embroidery, intricate beadwork, and the signature “robe de style,” a full-skirted evening gown that became emblematic of the Lanvin aesthetic. The SCAD FASH exhibition provides a rare opportunity to examine these iconic creations up close, showcasing the artistry, attention to detail, and forward-thinking design philosophy that solidified Lanvin’s legacy in the pantheon of haute couture.

The exhibition’s curated garments span Lanvin’s career, from early day dresses designed for young women in Parisian society to opulent eveningwear commissioned by elite clients. Visitors can explore the evolution of her signature aesthetic: the delicate interplay of fabric, color, and texture that gave Lanvin’s designs their timeless elegance. Alongside the garments, archival sketches and photographs offer insight into the creative process behind each piece, revealing the meticulous planning, artistry, and innovation that defined the Lanvin ateliers.

One of the exhibition’s highlights is Lanvin’s renowned eveningwear, including gowns adorned with hand-applied lace, sequins, and ribbon detailing. These garments demonstrate not only technical mastery but also a deep understanding of the female form, draping, and movement. Complementing these pieces are examples of her more practical daywear, which reveal how Lanvin balanced elegance with functionality, catering to the needs of modern women while maintaining her signature sophistication. The interplay of opulence and restraint is evident throughout the exhibition, providing a nuanced view of how couture adapts to social and cultural change without sacrificing artistry.

Illustrations and archival photographs deepen the narrative, providing context for the creation, presentation, and reception of Lanvin’s work. Images of the designer herself at work in her ateliers, alongside photographs of her clients wearing her creations in Parisian salons and social events, bring the world of early 20th-century couture to life. The exhibition highlights how Lanvin’s designs not only reflected but also influenced fashion trends, establishing a visual language of elegance that has inspired generations of designers.

Lanvin’s influence extends beyond clothing. The exhibition also explores her innovative approach to color, the integration of embroidery and embellishment, and her collaborations with artisans and fabric manufacturers. Through these elements, visitors gain an understanding of the comprehensive vision required to run a successful couture house. The exhibition emphasizes that Lanvin’s success was not only a result of her aesthetic sensibility but also her ability to innovate, adapt, and anticipate the desires of a sophisticated clientele.

SCAD FASH complements the exhibition with a robust program of educational events, including guided tours, design workshops, and lectures on couture history. These initiatives allow visitors to engage more deeply with the collection, learning not only about the garments themselves but also about the broader historical and cultural context in which they were created. For aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts, these programs provide invaluable insights into the techniques, philosophy, and legacy of one of haute couture’s most iconic figures.

Visitors to Atlanta can pair the SCAD FASH experience with a curated exploration of the city’s vibrant cultural and culinary offerings. Boutique hotels such as The St. Regis Atlanta or Hotel Clermont provide elegant accommodations that mirror the sophistication of the exhibition, while local restaurants and cafés offer refined culinary experiences, blending Southern tradition with contemporary flair. From gallery-hopping in the arts district to strolling through Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods, visitors can immerse themselves fully in a cultural weekend that mirrors the refinement and elegance of Lanvin’s creations.

The exhibition also invites reflection on the relationship between couture and identity. Lanvin’s designs were not only visually stunning but also deeply attuned to the aspirations, lifestyles, and social expectations of her clients. Each garment tells a story of personal expression, social positioning, and cultural taste, demonstrating how clothing can be both an art form and a social instrument. By engaging with these works, visitors are invited to consider the ways in which fashion communicates personality, status, and individuality—lessons that remain relevant in contemporary sartorial culture.

From a technical perspective, the exhibition emphasizes Lanvin’s mastery of draping, pattern-making, and textile innovation. Her ability to combine luxurious materials—silks, velvets, and chiffons—with precise construction techniques allowed her to create garments that were both elegant and wearable. These skills, often learned through years of apprenticeship and practice, underscore the artistry inherent in couture and highlight why Lanvin remains a touchstone for designers and fashion historians alike.

Another dimension of Jeanne Lanvin: Haute Couture Heritage is its focus on the collaborative nature of couture. Lanvin worked closely with embroidery ateliers, lace makers, and fabric manufacturers to achieve the refined details that became hallmarks of her style. These collaborations highlight the collective effort and artisanal expertise required to produce haute couture, reminding visitors that each garment represents not only the vision of the designer but also the skills of numerous artisans whose contributions are integral to the final work.

The exhibition concludes with a celebration of Lanvin’s enduring influence on contemporary fashion. Designers today continue to draw inspiration from her aesthetic principles: the harmonious interplay of color, innovative silhouette, and attention to detail. By situating historical garments alongside archival materials, SCAD FASH allows visitors to trace the evolution of Lanvin’s design philosophy and see how it resonates with modern couture and ready-to-wear collections.

Jeanne Lanvin: Haute Couture Heritage is more than a historical survey; it is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the enduring power of fashion as an expressive art form. Visitors leave with an appreciation not only for Lanvin’s garments but also for the cultural, technical, and artistic forces that shaped the house of Lanvin and the broader world of haute couture.

Located in the heart of Atlanta, the SCAD FASH Museum is accessible to both locals and travelers, offering an intimate and immersive setting for the exhibition. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and with occasional extended hours for special events, the museum provides a welcoming environment to study, appreciate, and be inspired by one of fashion’s most important legacies.

In conclusion, Jeanne Lanvin: Haute Couture Heritage invites visitors to experience the elegance, artistry, and innovation that defined one of France’s most celebrated couturiers. From meticulously embroidered gowns to delicate daywear, from archival sketches to historical photographs, the exhibition provides a multifaceted view of Lanvin’s genius. For fashion enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and anyone captivated by the art of dress, this exhibition offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of haute couture, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire creativity, elegance, and sophistication around the world.

For more information and to plan your visit: SCAD FASH Museum.

Source: SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film